Delicious slow cooked Asian-style chicken thighs garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

Savory Asian-Style Slow Cooked Chicken Thighs

Name: Savory Asian-Style Slow Cooked Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 piece Chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in (preferably organic or free-range for better flavor); 60 ml Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option); 2 tbsp Honey or brown sugar; 4 piece Garlic cloves, minced (choose fresh garlic, avoid pre-minced for better flavor); 2 tbsp Fresh ginger, grated (or ginger paste); 2 tbsp Rice vinegar; 1 tbsp Sesame oil; 120 ml Water or chicken broth, low sodium; 3 piece Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional); 1 tbsp Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional); 0.5 tsp Red chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

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easy

5 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs10gram

Fat18gram

Protein28gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in (preferably organic or free-range for better flavor)6 piece
Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)60 ml
Honey or brown sugar2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced (choose fresh garlic, avoid pre-minced for better flavor)4 piece
Fresh ginger, grated (or ginger paste)2 tbsp
Rice vinegar2 tbsp
Sesame oil1 tbsp
Water or chicken broth, low sodium120 ml
Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)3 piece
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)1 tbsp
Red chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)0.5 tsp

This recipe for slow cooked Asian-style chicken thighs brings tender, juicy chicken infused with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks or beginners looking for an easy meal with deep flavors. The ingredients are affordable and commonly found in supermarkets. The total cost for ingredients is approximately $12, €11, £9, and ₹900. Each serving contains about 350 calories. This dish fits well within a balanced diet and is gluten-free if tamari is used instead of soy sauce. The recipe difficulty is easy, and it requires minimal hands-on time, with a total cooking time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes. The instructions emphasize safe food handling practices and ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F), recommended by food safety authorities to prevent foodborne illness. Prepare a delicious, aromatic Asian-style chicken dish with confidence and ease!

Preparation instructions

Prepare the marinade

1In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water or chicken broth until well combined. This mixture will infuse your chicken with a deep savory, sweet, and aromatic flavor.

Marinate the chicken

2Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor penetration. Avoid leaving it longer than this to keep food safe.

Arrange chicken in slow cooker

3Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade liquid. Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken.

Slow cook the chicken

4Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours. Cooking on low is gentle and helps keep the chicken juicy. Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily to keep the temperature consistent.

Check for doneness and food safety

5After 4 hours, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of a chicken thigh. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat. If it hasn't reached this temperature, continue cooking and check every 15-30 minutes. Do not consume undercooked chicken.

Finish and serve

6Once cooked through, carefully remove the chicken thighs and place them on a serving platter. Optionally, to crisp up the skin, you can broil them in your oven for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy (watch carefully to avoid burning). Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. This adds fresh flavor and texture contrast.

Cooking Tips

1Always use a meat thermometer to verify chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to prevent foodborne illness.

2Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw chicken.

3If you don't have a slow cooker, this recipe can be adapted to a low oven bake at 150°C (300°F) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, covered tightly with foil.

4Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce if you want a gluten-free version.

5Adding some chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers in the slow cooker can make it a complete one-pot meal.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (Crockpot)
Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring spoons and cups
Meat thermometer (essential for food safety!)
Sharp knife and cutting board
Tongs or spatula for handling chicken
Optional: oven and baking tray for broiling

Shopping List

[ ] Chicken thighs (6 pieces) - approx. $5.00: Choose fresh, plump thighs with skin on for optimal flavor.
[ ] Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - approx. $2.50: Select a good quality soy sauce for best taste.
[ ] Honey or brown sugar - approx. $1.50: Honey adds a natural sweetness.
[ ] Garlic (4 cloves) - approx. $0.50: Fresh garlic cloves provide the best aroma.
[ ] Fresh ginger (small piece) - approx. $0.70: Look for firm, unwrinkled ginger.
[ ] Rice vinegar - approx. $1.00: Adds a subtle tanginess.
[ ] Sesame oil - approx. $2.00: Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor.
[ ] Chicken broth or water (120 ml) - approx. $0.50 (if broth): Prefer low sodium broth.
[ ] Green onions (3 stalks) - approx. $0.80: Fresh and firm are best.
[ ] Sesame seeds (optional) - approx. $0.50
[ ] Red chili flakes (optional) - approx. $0.30

Total approximate cost: $15.80

Tips: Choosing fresh ingredients, like garlic and ginger, enhances the final flavors. Buying soy sauce in small bottles can help keep it fresh. Chicken thighs should be fresh and well refrigerated.

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used and will generally cook faster. Check the internal temperature and adjust cooking time accordingly, as they may be done in about 3-4 hours on low.

Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

Browning is optional but can add flavor and color. This recipe skips browning for simplicity, but if you wish, you can sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before slow cooking.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and chicken, then refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before slow cooking. The cooked chicken can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.